Category: Sports Fox

Who won the three-player trade between the Steelers and Dolphins? We grade the deal.

​FOX Sports Digital

The U.S. team is growing in real time at the Gold Cup, partly in due to Matt Freese.

​FOX Sports Digital

Is this the year Miami finally gets over the hump? FOX Sports’ Michael Cohen breaks down 10 teams capable of reaching the College Football Playoff for the first time in 2025.

​FOX Sports Digital

If Bill Belichick stayed in New England, would the Patriots have won another title?​FOX Sports Digital

This summer, 48 teams will be vying for the most coveted title in all sports – the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Kicking off on June 11 and spread across three countries and 16 cities, we’ll see plenty of iconic players and up-and-coming stars. There will be those who’ll be looking to cement their legacies and others forging their own paths. But like in any tournament, there will be players who’ll have bigger spotlights than others. These will be the 26 players who will be worth to watch all summer long. Don’t be surprised to see these superstars creating highlight moments, scoring goals, and potentially lifting the trophy on July 19. _____ Why he makes the list: Alvarez scored 29 goals across all competitions in his first season with Atlético Madrid. He’s a difference-maker, technical on the ball and has much more potential to grow into for both club and country. We won’t have to wait until the 2026 World Cup to see him on the big stage as Alvarez will be in the spotlight this summer when he plays in the FIFA Club World Cup. What this World Cup would mean: Alvarez was one of the youngest players in Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad in 2022. Now, still only 25, he has that experience in his back pocket and can likely play an even larger role for Lionel Scaloni’s squad in 2026 to help La Albiceleste defend its title. _____ Why he makes the list: In his first season in Spain’s capital during the 2023-24 campaign, Bellingham was a revelation, leading Los Blancos to both the La Liga and Champions League titles. He then took England to the final of Euro 2024, firmly establishing himself as one of the game’s greatest midfielders. What this World Cup would mean: After coming close to helping the Three Lions claim England’s first major trophy in almost 60 years, Bellingham surely has his sights set on the World Cup. Unfortunately for the 21-year-old, his supporting cast (beyond Harry Kane, anyway) probably isn’t up for the task. _____ Why he makes the list: In March, “Fonzie” had surgery to repair the torn ACL he suffered playing for Les Rouges against the U.S. in the Concacaf Nations League’s consolation match. The injury is a major setback for one of soccer’s fastest players, but the good news is that he should have enough time to recover and captain Jesse Marsch’s team in front of what’s sure to be a sea of red for the Canadians’ group stage games in Toronto and Vancouver. What this World Cup would mean: Davies, Canada’s best ever player, helped the country snap a 36-year World Cup appearance drought three years ago. But they lost all three games in Qatar, and they’re still winless all-time on soccer’s grandest stage. During his once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play in a World Cup at home, Davies will be aiming to make a little more history. _____ Why he makes the list: Some have called Dembele the best player in the world in 2025. It’s not so farfetched given the forward led Ligue 1 with 27 goal contributions this season as he helped PSG win the Champions League title. While he’s already a World Cup champion (2018), he became an even more impactful player for his club after Neymar and Mbappe moved on and has even put himself in contention for the Ballon d’Or this year. What this World Cup would mean: Dembele is a 2018 World Cup champion and started for France in the 2022 final vs. Argentina. Les Bleus are anxious to win another World Cup trophy, and they’re a favorite to do so in 2026. However, France will need all of its top talent, like Mbappe, Dembele and Desire Doue, to be at their best in order to ward off other dangerous contenders like Spain. _____ Why he makes the list: Luis Diaz had his most successful season at Liverpool this year, scoring 17 goals with eight assists across all competitions on his way to helping the club win the Premier League title. The versatile, 28-year-old winger is beloved at Liverpool – the fans even have a chant for him at Anfield – and his production has carried over to the Colombian national team, where he’s become one of the squad’s most impactful players. What this World Cup would mean: As the most productive Colombian international playing in Europe right now, Diaz helped lead his country to the Copa América final against Argentina a year ago – a closely contested match that resulted in a 1-0 loss to La Albiceleste. Colombia didn’t qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but is certainly viewed as one of the South American contenders for 2026. _____ Why he makes the list: Things have been even bleaker in Italy than in Germany, where the latter’s fellow four-time World Cup winner failed even to qualify for the last two tournaments. Italy can still emerge victorious from any competition it’s in, however: Donnarumma proved it by leading the Azzurri to a penalty kick win over England in London the the Euro 2020 final. What this World Cup would mean: It would mean everything for one of the most passionate soccer nations on Earth. There’s a record of success in North America, too: In 1994, Italy survived a shocking loss to the Republic of Ireland in its opener to reach the final, where it lost on penalties to Brazil. _____ Why he makes the list: Despite the club’s disappointing season, Bruno Fernandes is considered to be Manchester United’s most important player. He holds that responsibility for his national team as well, which was evident when Portugal recently beat European champion Spain to win the UEFA Nations League title. Fernandes, who wore the captain’s armband late in the game after Cristiano Ronaldo went off with an injury, steadied the team and nailed his penalty kick during a dramatic shootout. What this World Cup would mean: Portugal looks more like a contender right now after defeating World Cup favorite Spain in the UEFA Nations League. The 30-year-old Fernandes is a fearless leader, creative in the midfield and knows how to balance a young squad with a legend in Ronaldo. Portugal made it to the quarterfinals at the 2022 World Cup, and, with Fernandes leading the charge, could have enough talent to make a deeper run in 2026. _____ Why he makes the list:  Europe’s most ruthless goalscorer has Norway on pace to reach the World Cup for the first time since 1998; on Monday, Haaland’s game-winning strike in a 2026 qualifier in Estonia gave the Norwegians their fourth straight victory on the road to Canada/Mexico/USA 2026, a run that also includes last week’s 3-0 drubbing of four-time world champ Italy. What this World Cup would mean: Perhaps the best player not to appear in the 2022 edition, Haaland would make not just his World Cup debut, but his first major tournament appearance in North America next summer. _____ Why he makes the list: One of the best fullbacks in football right now, though Hakimi could probably play midfielder or forward and be peerless at those positions, too. After all, he had the most goals of any defender in Ligue 1 this season. Hakimi played a key role in helping PSG win the Champions League title, and will be on the big stage this summer as his squad compete in the FIFA Club World Cup. What this World Cup would mean: Hakimi was massive in leading Morocco on a marvelous run to become the first African country to reach the World Cup semifinals in 2022. Can the captain galvanize his national team again in what will be the biggest World Cup ever? Regardless of what kind of run the Atlas Lions go on this time, there’s no denying that the 26-year-old Hakimi is already viewed as one of Africa’s greatest players ever. _____ Why he makes the list: Jimenez had 14 goals and three assists across all competitions for Fulham this year, which was the first time since the 2019-20 season that he had scored in double figures for his club. And while he may be 34 years old, Jimenez’s return to form not only benefited Fulham, but helped him lead Mexico whenever he was competing for his national team this season. What this World Cup would mean: Jimenez scored both goals for Mexico in its Nations League final win over Panama in March, and is poised to have a big summer leading El Tri through the Gold Cup. The squad is a favorite to win the tournament and if it does, Jimenez will most certainly have something to do with it. Mexico’s best World Cup finish was making it to the quarterfinals in 1986, and as a co-host next year, Jimenez hopes to spark what could be a historic run with a ton of fan support behind him. _____ Why he makes the list:  One of the few Mexican players to succeed in Europe in recent years, Gimenez has flourished since leaving Cruz Azul of Liga MX in 2022. His 45 goals in 73 Dutch league appearances for Feyenoord earned him a move to Italy in January; he was among the few bright spots for Milan during the back half of last season. For El Tri, he seems to have cemented his role next to Raul Jimenez on coach Javier Aguirre’s front line. What this World Cup would mean: As is the case for all the American, Canadian and Mexican players, it doesn’t get more special than playing in a World Cup at home. Surely Santi is dreaming about belting out his national anthem at the historic Estadio Azteca next June 11, as Mexico becomes the first nation (and Azteca the first stadium) to host the tourney three times. _____ Why he makes the list: Kane has been one of the best forwards in the world for the better part of a decade. He recently won the Bundesliga championship with Bayern Munich, and came bitterly close to leading England to a European championship last summer (but the Three Lions ran into the inevitable Spain). Kane was the Bundesliga’s top scorer this season and won the Golden Boot with 26 goals, and had the second-most shots with 110. What this World Cup would mean: Is there a nation or a player more desperate to win a World Cup than England and their captain Kane? In Qatar, you might have answered with Argentina, but Leo Messi and Co. got their title. Now it’s time for Kane to cement his legacy of greatness and bring it home for England. _____ Why he makes the list: One of the most skillful, fun to watch players around, Kvaratskhelia left eventual Scudetto winner Napoli midseason to move to PSG, where he promptly helped the club capture its first European title by scoring in the 5-0 final win over Inter Milan. What this World Cup would mean: The former Soviet republic took a huge stride on the international stage last summer by making their European Championship debut and then qualifying for the round of 16.  Should Kvaratskhelia and the Crusaders also book a spot at the 2026 World Cup, it would mark the tiny (population: 3.7 million) country’s first appearance at soccer’s marquee event. _____ Why he makes the list: The 26-year-old midfielder was a key reason why Liverpool won the Premier League title this season. He’s a menace no matter where he is on the pitch and wins most of his one-on-one duels. He can defend, score goals (he had seven goals and six assists across all competitions this season), and is a consistent and reliable player who will have a long and successful career. What this World Cup would mean: Mac Allister already knows what it’s like to hoist a World Cup trophy because he helped Argentina win its first title since 1986 nearly four years ago in Qatar. He also played an important role in La Albiceleste’s Copa America title last summer. It’s experiences like those that so many other players don’t have that will aid Mac Allister as he strives to help Argentina go back-to-back for the first time since Brazil did it in 1958 and 1962. _____ Why he makes the list: Emiliano Martinez is widely considered to be one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League and around the world. His command of the box, shot-stopping ability and mind games during penalty shootouts make him a one-of-a-kind gem. Martinez has been a mainstay at Aston Villa for five years, though there are some rumblings of a summer transfer. What this World Cup would mean: Martinez cemented his legendary status when he helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Martinez made countless miraculous saves, especially in the final vs. France, though perhaps none as dramatic as his late save against Randal Kolo Muani in stoppage time of extra time. He ended up winning the Golden Glove, which included some trophy ceremony antics. Then he followed that performance up by helping Argentina win the 2024 Copa America. Another World Cup trophy in 2026 would only increase his superstardom even more. _____ Why he makes the list: The 2018 World Cup winner came oh-so-close in 2022, scoring a hat trick in the final before Les Bleus fell on penalties to Argentina and Messi — Mbappe’s Paris Saint-Germain teammate at the time. The 26-year-old has since moved to Real Madrid where, despite a trophy-less first season in 2024-25, he scored 31 goals in 34 games and won the European Golden Shoe award for the first time. What this World Cup would mean: Mbappe was crushed by France’s loss in 2022, and he watched his hometown club PSG win the Champions League without him during his maiden season in Spain. That should make Mbappe highly motivated heading into the 2025-26 campaign and the World Cup right after it. A noted fan of American culture and now Didier Deschamps captain, he’d surely relish the chance to hoist the World Cup in the shadow of New York City next summer. _____ Why he makes the list: So what if the GOAT turns 38 later this month? Three years after hoisting the World Cup for the first time and forever cementing his legacy, Messi still has it at the international level. He helped the Albiceleste win the 2024 Copa América — its third consecutive major title — in Miami last summer, and represented his country for the 192nd time in last week’s World Cup qualifying win over Chile. What this World Cup would mean: After winning it all four years ago, Messi changed his mind about international retirement. But this World Cup, his sixth, will surely be his last. It’s fitting that it will come in the country where he and his family now live, but there’s a huge sporting challenge, too: Pele’s Brazil was the last to win back-to-back World Cups, and no country has ever won four major trophies in a row. _____ Why he makes the list: Another member of Spain’s triumphant Euro 2024 squad, Pedri played four of La Roja’s six games in Germany, then made 35 starts as Barça won La Liga for the second time in the 22-year-old’s young career. What this World Cup would mean: Pedri took a step forward this season, helping Barcelona to within a penalty-kick loss of the Champions League final and landing on some Ballon d’Or shortlists along the way. With teenage sensation Yamal by his side, he could be poised for a trophy-laden 2025-26 for club and for country. _____ Why he makes the list: Despite some of the heat that has been heaped on Pulisic for skipping U.S. men’s national team duty this summer, Pulisic is coming of the club season of his life in Italy. The 26-year-old scored a career-best 17 goals for the Rossoneri across all competitions last term. Slowed by injuries early in his career, he’s stayed mostly healthy for two years running, making 100 appearances with Milan since arriving from Chelsea in 2023. What this World Cup would mean: With the tournament on home soil, next summer’s World Cup will be nothing short of a legacy-defining moment for Pulisic, whose game-winning goal over Iran in the group stage finale in 2022 sent the Americans to the knockout phase. The co-hosts will be looking to go at least one round further next year — something the USMNT hasn’t accomplished since they fell to Germany in the quarterfinals in 2002. _____ Why he makes the list: Yamal and Pedri deserve their plaudits, but some could argue that no player better for Barça last season than the electrifying 28-year-old winger. Raphinha scored an astounding 13 goals in 14 Champions League games last season, outpacing all-world striker Robert Lewandowski, and added another 10 in La Liga. What this World Cup would mean: The last time Brazil participated in a World Cup on North American shores, it won the title for the fourth time snapping a 24-year trophy drought. The Selecao added record fifth World Cup star to that famous yellow jersey in 2002, which will be 24 years ago next summer. Brazil, in other words, is due. If they can win a sixth crown in 2026, Raphinha will be a big reason. _____ Why he makes the list: Rodri tore his ACL against Arsenal in September, but made his long-awaited return and played his first minutes since the injury with Manchester City in May. Just how detrimental was his absence? Man City struggled without the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, and lost the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace this spring. Now that the world’s best defensive midfielder is back, Man City has a chance to win a trophy this summer when it competes at the FIFA Club World Cup. What this World Cup would mean: Spain is already a favorite to win the 2026 World Cup, with its young stars like Lamine Yamal and Pedri making the headlines. But La Roja was upset by Portugal in the recent Nations League finals, which was decided by a penalty shootout. Spain didn’t have Rodri, however, and it is a different team when he’s in the midfield. If Rodri can stay healthy, this is a team who could realistically win the country’s second-ever World Cup. _____ Why he makes the list: Ronaldo’s face said it all. The 40-year-old superstar was beside himself in tears when he helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League title over Spain after a penalty shootout. Ronaldo scored two goals in the run of play – the game-winner over Germany in the semifinal and the tying goal against Spain in the final. At club level, he was the Saudi Pro League’s top scorer this past season with 25 goals and is inching closer and closer to that 1,000-career goal mark. What this World Cup would mean: If you thought the 2022 World Cup in Qatar would be his last rodeo, you were wrong. Ronaldo will be 41 at the 2026 tournament and would give absolutely anything to win a World Cup trophy for Portugal. After all, he’s already won most everything else, including five Ballon d’Ors and he currently holds the record for the most goals in Champions League history with 140. But for him, nothing would mean as much as winning a World Cup. Just ask his friend, Leo Messi. _____ Why he makes the list: The 32-year-old Salah was in top form for Premier League champions Liverpool this season. He led the league with 29 goals and 18 assists and has the unique ability to lift his teammates up in the process. Salah recently signed a two-year contract extension with the Reds that will keep him there through 2027, which is good for the club considering he hasn’t shown signs of slowing down anytime soon. What this World Cup would mean: Egypt last played in a World Cup in 2018 and didn’t make it out of the group stage. The national team once made it to the Round of 16, but that was in 1934. Given what Morocco did in Qatar in 2022 – becoming the Cinderella of the tournament and going on a magical run to the semifinals – could Salah lead Egypt on a similar ride in 2026? _____ Why he makes the list: Vinicius was the 2024 Best FIFA Men’s Player and the Ballon d’Or runner-up. He scored 21 goals and added 18 assists across all competitions for Real Madrid this past season, though he has been a bit inconsistent in his play this season. While that could be due in part to building chemistry with Kylian Mbappe, the winger is reportedly close to signing a new deal with the club that would keep the winger there through 2030. What this World Cup would mean: Brazil is desperate for a successful World Cup. The Seleçao has not hoisted the trophy since 2002, and given the amount of talent in this squad, there’s really no excuse. Winning it all in 2026 would be legacy-building stuff for a player like Vini Jr., who has already won so much – including LaLiga and Champions League titles. However, he’s still only 24 and as long as he stays fit and in form, will have more major tournaments ahead of him. _____ Why he makes the list: After helping Leverkusen to an undefeated Bundesliga season in 2023-24 and the club’s first-ever German top flight title, the attacking playmaker, 22, appears set to join English Premier League champions for the season ahead of the ’26 World Cup. What this World Cup would mean: Four-time world champion Germany hasn’t been able to even survive the group stage at the past two World Cups. There’s no doubt that Writz and the rest of Die Mannschaft will be bent on ending that embarrassing streak next summer. _____ Why he makes the list: Still just 17, Yamal already might be the best player on the planet. The silky smooth attacker played a key role in helping La Roja win the European Championship last summer by scoring a spectacular goal in the semifinal win over France, then followed that up by leading Barca to Spanish title and the Champions League semis. No wonder he’s on the Ballon d’Or short list this year. What this World Cup would mean: For all those accomplishments, Yamal still isn’t yet a household name in quite the way Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe are. One reason for that? Yamal has yet to play in a World Cup. He’ll become a bona fide global superstar next summer, though, on a team that is more than capable of lifting the trophy.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

In the NFL, the bar is always rising. Each offseason, superstars reset the market, altering the salaries that the best players at each respective position expect to receive. Well, we’re only a few weeks into the 2026 offseason, and we’ve already seen a few players become the new highest-paid star at their respective position. Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba became the most recent player to earn that honor, agreeing to a four-year, $168.6 million pact with the Seattle Seahawks. Smith-Njigba joins an illustrious list of players to be the highest-paid player at their respective position. So, who does he join on the All-Highest-Paid-Player-Per-Position Team?  Here are the NFL’s highest-paid players at each position, per average annual value (AAV), via Spotrac: QB: Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys ($60 million AAV) Prescott became the NFL’s highest-paid player when he signed his extension on the eve of the Cowboys’ Week 1 game against the Browns in 2024. The four-year, $240 million deal was the culmination of an awkward offseason in which Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was wishy-washy about paying Prescott. Prescott earned his long-term deal after the best season of his career in 2023, when he completed a career-high 69.5% of his passes and threw a league-leading 36 touchdowns. RB: Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles ($20.6 million AAV) The value of running backs is constantly being disputed and Barkley did a lot to help his peers, and himself, out. Barkley was rewarded with a two-year, $41 million extension after winning NFL Offensive Player of the Year in his first year with the Eagles. The New York Giants didn’t want to pay Barkley after six seasons with the team, so the Eagles took advantage of that, scooping him up in free agency in 2024. WR: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks ($42.15 million AAV) Cincinnati Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase held the honor of being the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history for roughly a year, thanks to a contract that paid him just north of $40 million per season. But Smith-Njigba’s memorable 2025 campaign helped him usurp Chase for that honor. Smith-Njigba has reportedly agreed to a four-year, $168.6 million extension with the Seahawks. Smith-Njigba won Offensive Player of the Year in 2025, leading the league in receiving yards (1,793). His dominant regular season preceded Seattle’s run to a Super Bowl title, which saw Smith-Njigba put up a 153-yard performance in the NFC title game. TE: George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers ($19.1 million AAV) A few days after the 2025 NFL Draft ended, Kittle agreed to a four-year, $76.4 million extension with the 49ers. His new deal is worth an average of $19.1 million, surpassing the contract Trey McBride ($19M AAV) signed with the Arizona Cardinals earlier in April of that year. The 31-year-old Kittle is the only remaining player from San Francisco’s 2017 draft class, the first with head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch. Since the 49ers drafted him in the fifth round that year, Kittle has been one of the top tight ends in the league. In his eight seasons, he’s been a dependable receiver and blocker for the Niners offense. He’s made an All-Pro team five times and earned six Pro Bowl nods, totaling 595 receptions for 8,008 yards and 52 touchdowns. However, Kittle might be facing his toughest test yet following another injury-plagued season in 2025. He missed time due to a hamstring tear before tearing his Achilles in the playoffs. OT: Laremy Tunsil, Washington Commanders ($30.1 million AAV) Tunsil agreed to a two-year, $60.2 million extension at the start of the 2026 offseason that made him the highest-paid offensive tackle. The 31-year-old took that honor from Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs, who signed a five-year, $140.6 million extension in 2024. Tunsil has been one of the game’s top offensive tackles since he entered the league in 2016. He’s been named a Pro Bowler five times, and was graded as Pro Football Focus’ sixth-best offensive tackle in 2025. OG: Tyler Smith, Dallas Cowboys ($24 million AAV) Smith, a three-time Pro Bowler in his first four years in the league, became the highest-paid guard in the NFL in September when he agreed to a four-year, $96 million extension. He did play at left tackle for a bit, though, in 2025. OC: Creed Humphrey, Kansas City Chiefs ($18 million AAV) Humphrey has been the NFL’s highest-paid center for nearly two years. He signed a four-year, $72 million extension in August 2024. Since then, Humphrey has been named first-team All-Pro twice and became a four-time Pro Bowler through the first five years of his career. DE: Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns ($40 million AAV) Garrett was briefly the highest-paid non-quarterback of all-time, signing a contract worth $160 million, including $123.5 million in guarantees, in March 2025. The extension came more than a month after the Browns’ star pass-rusher had requested a trade. Cleveland’s front office, though, was adamant that Garrett would not be dealt. In the end, both sides came to an agreement to keep him in Ohio. Garret repaid the Browns by setting the single-season sack record in 2025, winning his second Defensive Player of the Year award. DT: Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs ($31.75 million AAV) Jones became the highest-paid defensive tackle when he agreed to a five-year, $158.75 million deal to remain in Kansas City during the 2024 offseason. The Chiefs star certainly made a strong claim to earn the title of highest-paid player at his position. The six-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro has recorded at least nine sacks in five of the last eight seasons, helping Kansas City win three Super Bowls during that time. Jones had 29 total tackles and seven sacks this past season. While his box score stats might not pop out, Jones led all defensive tackles in pass-rush win rate (20%) and was third in pressures (63) at the position, per PFF. OLB: Micah Parsons, Green Bay Packers ($46.5 million AAV) As part of the surprising trade that saw Parsons go from the Cowboys to the Packers in August 2025, the star edge rusher signed a four-year, $186 million extension to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Parsons was the definition of consistency during his time with the Cowboys, racking up over 12 sacks and 40 tackles each season. He continued that in his first year in Green Bay, logging 12.5 sacks and 41 total tackles despite playing just 14 games as an ACL tear sidelined him for the end of the 2025 season. ILB: Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers ($21 million AAV) Of the defensive positions, inside linebacker has the cheapest average annual value contract leader. Still, Warner is making a pretty penny. He reached a three-year, $63 million extension ($56 million guaranteed) when he re-signed with the 49ers in May 2025. Warner is one of the longest-tenured 49ers, having played seven seasons with the team since he was drafted in 2018. He is arguably the NFL’s best inside linebacker, and if not, he’s at least the most consistent. He had been named to three consecutive All-Pro teams before an injury cut his 2025 campaign short. Warner was also the engine of San Francisco’s defense during its run to Super Bowl LVIII. He had recorded at least 118 total tackles in each season of his career prior to his injury-shortened 2025 season. While Smith has never led the league in tackles, he’s finished in the top 10 five times and has finished in the top five in run stops three times, per PFF. CB: Trent McDuffie, CB, Los Angeles Rams McDuffie became the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL just days after the Rams agreed to give up a first-round pick for the star corner. McDuffie signed a four-year, $124 million extension with $100 million guaranteed, taking over the highest-paid cornerback honor from Indianapolis Colts star Sauce Gardner. McDuffie, 25, has been one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks since the Chiefs selected him in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He helped Kansas City win back-to-back Super Bowls in his first two seasons and is a two-time All-Pro. Even though McDuffie missed five games in 2025, he was still productive. He allowed 37 receptions on 55 targets for just 342 yards and three touchdowns this past season, per PFF. McDuffie has allowed just 6.6 yards per attempt when targeted in coverage over his career as well, per PFF. S: Kyle Hamilton, Baltimore Ravens ($25.1 million AAV) Kyle Hamilton’s monster 2024 campaign (107 combined tackles, 77 solo tackles) earned him a four-year, $100.4 million extension, with $82 million of that guaranteed. The 25-year-old safety is heading into his fifth year in the NFL, all with the Ravens, and has already been named an All-Pro and Pro Bowler three times in his career. K: Ka’imi Fairbairn, Houston Texans ($6.5 million AAV) Fairbairn became the highest-paid kicker in the NFL when he agreed to a two-year, $13 million extension with the Texans earlier this offseason. His 44 made field goals in 2025 were the most ever made by a kicker in a single NFL season. P: Jordan Stout, New York Giants Stout was one of a few members of the Ravens’ organization to follow head coach John Harbaugh to the Giants, and he was paid handsomely for doing so. Stout received a three-year, $12.3 million deal at the onset of free agency this offseason. Stout was named first-team All-Pro in 2025, with his 44.9 average net yards per punt leading the league.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Editor’s note: This piece has been updated since it was originally published ahead of the 2025 Daytona 500. There are few sporting events bigger than the Daytona 500, with the 2026 version taking place Sunday (1:30 p.m. ET on FOX). The race happens at Florida’s scenic Daytona Beach. The famous event began in 1959 when Lee Petty won the inaugural race, finishing with an average speed of 135.52 miles per hour. Petty, racing in an Oldsmobile branded car, is also the event’s first winner as both a driver and owner. In all, Daytona has seen 13 multi-time winners and 14 teams win multiple times. William Byron, who last year became the first driver to win back-to-back Daytona races since Denny Hamlin did so in 2019 and 2020, is eyeing a historic three-peat in 2026. That said, who’s the best driver to race this event? Here are the 10 best drivers in Daytona 500 history. 10. Sterling Marlin Marlin’s career at Daytona started with a bang when he earned his first NASCAR victory at the Daytona 500, becoming just the ninth driver to accomplish that feat. Moreover, his second career victory also came at the Daytona 500, winning in back-to-back years — something just five drivers can say about their careers. 9. Bill Elliott Eliott was a fixture at the famed racetrack, making 30 career starts, which ties him with Michael Waltrip for fourth all-time in career Daytona 500 starts. He was also able to claim pole position a record-tying four times throughout his career, including three straight from 1985-1987, doing so with Ford three times and Dodge once. His two victories are tied for the seventh-most all time. 8. Dale Earnhardt Jr. The son of a legend and a NASCAR Hall of Famer in his own right, Earnhardt Jr. was one of the more popular drivers during his time behind the wheel. He was able to deliver for those fans, earning two Daytona 500 victories during that time. Those races were especially meaningful for him after seeing his father struggle to win the race in his career. His average starting position of 5.67 is the second-best all-time for the race. 7. Dale Earnhardt Perhaps the most famous NASCAR driver of all time, Earnhardt made sure to bring his A-game to Daytona. Overall, he collected 34 victories at Daytona International Speedway, but only one of those came specifically at the Daytona 500, winning his 20th attempt at the track in 1998. That race victory was considered the crown jewel of an otherwise stellar racing career. Unfortunately, this track was also the site of his fatal accident in 2001, during his final lap at the event. His devastating loss resulted in numerous safety changes that have made every driver safer since. 6. Dale Jarrett Jarrett was a fantastic driver and the Daytona track brought out the best in him. He claimed three Daytona victories from 1993-2000. His most famous moment at the course, though, was his first victory when he battled Earnhardt in a neck-and-neck battle referred to as the “Dale and Dale show.” Jarrett would pull ahead on the final lap for the heart-racing victory in one of the best battles of all time. 5. Bobby Allison The résumé Allison put together at Daytona is beyond remarkable. He was able to win three races from 1978-1988, collecting victories in 1978, 1982 and 1988. But he routinely was at the top of the leaderboard and within striking distance of winning, finishing in second place three separate times and grabbing third place in two different races. In 1988, he became the oldest Daytona 500 winner on record at age 50. 4. Jeff Gordon Gordon was fantastic at pretty much any track, but he always delivered at Daytona. His first victory there came in 1997, before claiming his second win in 1999 and his final win there in 2005. He also claimed pole position two separate times, in 1999 and then in 2015. Gordon was always at his best when it came to the Super Bowl of racing. 3. Denny Hamlin Hamlin made history in 2020 when he claimed his second consecutive Daytona 500 win. That made him the fourth driver in the race’s long history to win back-to-back races at the event. He would come up short in his quest to become the race’s first-ever back-to-back-to-back winner, but finishing fifth in that attempt is nothing to sneeze at. 2. Cale Yarborough You could make a real argument that Yarborough is the best driver in the race’s history. He’s one of just four racers to win back-to-back times at Daytona, doing so in 1983 and 1984, but he also was able to routinely set himself up well for those races. Yarborough was in pole position four times throughout his time at Daytona, had four second-place finishes and one third-place finish. Yarborough is also one of just two drivers to win multiple times from pole position, joining Elliott. 1. Richard Petty If it wasn’t for Petty, Yarborough would be a shoo-in for the top spot, but Petty was otherworldly at Daytona. He’s the only driver to win the event five times or more, earning seven victories throughout his career there. Moreover, he’s also one of the four drivers to win back-to-back Daytona 500 races. Overall, he has finished in the top three 12 times in his career, a remarkable achievement. Check out all of our Daily Rankers. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily!​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

The New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks are facing off for Super Bowl LX, and NFL will then head south in California for next year’s big game. After Levi’s Stadium hosts its second Super Bowl, it will be SoFi Stadium’s turn to host the title game for the second time. After that, the NFL will reportedly have two more stadiums to host their second Super Bowl. Let’s take a look at the sites of future Super Bowls: Super Bowl Locations and Dates Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, the site of the Philadelphia Eagles’ triumph last year, hosted its 11th Super Bowl, which is tied for the most selections in history. Prior to 2026, Levi’s Stadium hosted only one other Super Bowl — Super Bowl 50. SoFi Stadium will host its second Super Bowl in 2027 — the first was Super Bowl LVI in 2022. In 2028, Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host its second Super Bowl, most recently hosting in 2019.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

A calling card for both teams in Super Bowl LX is defense. The Seahawks gave up the fewest points in the NFL this season (292), while the Patriots — ranked fourth in points allowed — have been dominant defensively in the postseason, conceding just two offensive touchdowns in three playoff games. So this is the perfect time to recognize the best defenses that have played on football’s biggest stage. In descending order, here are my top nine defenses to have appeared in the Super Bowl — a subjective ranking based on lore, regular-season numbers, playoff success and talent. 9. 2015 Denver Broncos Boasting one of the best defenses of the 21st century, the 2015 Broncos featured a prime Von Miller alongside fellow stars in pass-rusher DeMarcus Ware and cornerbacks Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr. Denver had the NFL’s best pass defense, with a league-leading 52 sacks and allowing fewer than 200 passing yards per game. The unit held 2015 NFL MVP Cam Newton and the Panthers to one touchdown in a 24-10 victory in Super Bowl 50. 8. 1990 New York Giants The 1990 Giants featured arguably the best defensive player of all time in Hall of Fame outside linebacker Lawrence Taylor, along with Pro Bowlers in nose tackle Erik Howard and inside linebacker Pepper Johnson. New York led the NFL in scoring defense (13.2 points allowed per game) and held opponents to 10 or fewer points in nine of its 19 games (regular season and playoffs). The Giants edged the Bills 20-19 in Super Bowl XXV. 7. 2013 Seattle Seahawks The 2013 Seahawks boasted one of the best secondaries of the modern era, the iconic “Legion of Boom” featuring Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor. But the defensive front was elite, too, with one of the best middle linebackers of the modern era in Bobby Wagner — currently with the Commanders — plus standout defensive linemen Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril. Seattle led the league in scoring defense (the second of four straight years), total defense, pass defense, takeaways and red-zone efficiency. The Legion of Boom held the Peyton Manning-led 2013 Broncos, the league’s top offense that season, to one touchdown in a 43-8 Seattle rout in Super XLVIII. 6. 1975 Pittsburgh Steelers Of all the “Steel Curtain” defenses of the 1970s, this group may have been the best to play in the Super Bowl. The ’75 Steelers allowed just 11.6 points per game, which ranked second in the league that season, helping the franchise to a Super Bowl X victory over the Cowboys. Pittsburgh’s 1975 defense had Hall of Famers on every level — defensive tackle Joe Greene, linebackers Jack Ham and Jack Lambert and defensive back Mel Blount. Eight of the 11 starters were Pro Bowlers that season. 5. 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers The 2002 Bucs defense is one of the most iconic units of all time. Its foundation was set by former head coach Tony Dungy, who led the team from 1996-2001 and popularized the “Tampa 2” defense. This Bucs team featured four Hall of Fame defenders in cornerback Ronde Barber, defensive tackle Warren Sapp, linebacker Derrick Brooks and safety John Lynch, who’s now the general manager of the 49ers. Former Pro Bowl pass rusher Simeon Rice also made his lone All-Pro team with the Bucs in 2002. Tampa Bay’s defense led the NFL in points allowed, red-zone efficiency and yards allowed, helping the franchise to a 48-21 Super Bowl XXXVII win over the Raiders. 4. 1971 Dallas Cowboys The ’71 Cowboys defense posted one of the best-ever Super Bowl performances, holding the Dolphins to just three points in a 21-point beatdown in Super Bowl VI. Just one other team in Super Bowl history (1966-present), the 2018 Patriots, has held its opponent to three points. In 1971, Dallas led the NFL with 51 takeaways. The unit had five Hall of Famers: defensive lineman Bob Lilly, linebacker Chuck Howley, and defensive backs Herb Adderley, Mel Renfro and Cliff Harris. 3. 1972 Miami Dolphins The team with the only perfect season in NFL history not surprisingly had one of the best defenses ever. The ’72 Dolphins led the league in scoring defense (12.2 points per game) and didn’t allow an offensive touchdown in their 14-7 Super Bowl VII win over Washington. Linebacker Nick Buoniconti is the only Hall of Fame defender from the team, but he had three other Pro Bowlers alongside him: defensive end Bill Stanfill and safeties Dick Anderson and Jake Scott. 2. 2000 Baltimore Ravens The 2000 Ravens have a case for the best defense ever. They led the league in points allowed (10.3), run defense (60.6 yards allowed per game) and takeaways (49). Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis was the heart of the unit, but it also had a Hall of Famer in the back end in safety Rod Woodson, plus Pro Bowl defensive tackle Sam Adams. In four playoff games, Baltimore allowed just one offensive touchdown, which came in the divisional round at Tennessee. The Ravens clobbered the Giants 34-7 in Super Bowl XXXV. 1. 1985 Chicago Bears The ’85 Bears are widely recognized as having the most feared defense in NFL history. They had four Hall of Famers — linebacker Mike Singletary, defensive tackle Steve McMichael and defensive ends Dan Hampton and Richard Dent — leading their famous “46” defense, an aggressive scheme that overwhelmed opposing offensive lines. The Bears allowed zero points in the NFC divisional round and conference championship games combined, and then held the Patriots to one touchdown in a 46-10 Super Bowl XX rout.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports